Japan
Current Score
Global Rank
Percentile
Last Updated
Ranking Trend
Japan's rank movement over the last 30 days
Score Analysis
Analysis of Japan's policy signalling profile
Japan's overall WokeMeter assessment score is 54, positioning it within a moderate-high intensity range. This score reflects Japan's unique policy environment, characterized by a mix of traditional and progressive elements. A significant factor influencing this score is the election of Sanae Takaichi as the first female Prime Minister in 2025, which marks a major signalling event in terms of gender equality and leadership representation. While Japan lacks same-sex marriage rights, there are signs of progress in corporate governance and DEI initiatives, which contribute to its moderate-high score. The score is slightly higher than its composite dimension score of 55.77 due to the notable milestone of a female prime minister, which adds to the overall policy signalling intensity.
Analyzing the dimension scores, Japan shows the highest signalling intensity in Legislative/Regulatory Activism with a score of 76.08, indicating strong policy engagement in this area. The Speech & Expression Climate, with a score of 56.96, and Corporate/Investor Signalling, at 58.04, demonstrate moderate levels of signalling intensity. On the other hand, Institutional DEI Policy Intensity and Education & Curriculum Signalling are relatively lower at 47.33 and 50.06, respectively, reflecting a more conservative approach in institutional policies and educational frameworks. Media & Platform Moderation and Protest & Activism Salience also depict moderate engagement with scores of 50.36 and 53.18, suggesting a balanced approach to content moderation and activism. Overall, Japan's dimension scores reveal a nuanced landscape of policy signalling, balancing between conservative traditions and emerging progressive elements.
Score Breakdown by Dimension
Weighted components of the composite score
Recent Events
Events that influenced this country's score
Japan’s Sanae Takaichi tickled pink to meet UK band Deep Purple
Legendary British rock band Deep Purple made Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s day with a brief visit to their high-profile superfan on Friday as they returned to the country they first toured more than half a century ago. Takaichi’s reputation as an amateur drummer and fan of hard rock and heavy metal has been well documented, and she has referred to Deep Purple as one of her favourite bands along with the likes of Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden. “You are my god,” a giddy Takaichi...
Japan watchdog checks banks' private credit exposure amid global strains, source says
Japan enacts largest state budget in history worth €664 billion
The upper house of the Japanese parliament has enacted a state budget of ¥122.3 trillion (€664bn), the largest allocation in the country's history. The move reflects PM Takaichi's goal of an expansionary fiscal policy.
Japan confirms release of second citizen held in Iran
Iran has freed a Japanese national held since January, Tokyo said on Tuesday, with Kyodo News reporting, however, that the individual is not allowed to leave the Islamic Republic. The Japanese news agency also reported, citing unnamed sources within the government in Tokyo, that the person is believed to be the Tehran bureau chief of broadcaster NHK. “The Japanese embassy in Iran has confirmed that a Japanese national who was detained by Iranian authorities on January 20 was released on April 6...
Middle East crisis live: Iran warns of ‘devastating’ retaliation after Trump’s expletive-laden threats over strait of Hormuz
Large explosions heard at South Pars gas field as US and Iran both receive new proposals for a potential 45-day ceasefire Trump warns Iran to reopen strait of Hormuz by Tuesday or face ‘hell’ ‘Unhinged madman’: US politicians react to Trump Iran threat A Japanese shipping firm said on Monday that an Indian-flagged tanker owned by its subsidiary had passed through the strait of Hormuz and was en route to India. A spokeswoman for Mitsui O.S.K. Lines told AFP that the Green Asha – a liquefied petroleum gas tanker – had crossed the waterway. Pakistan stands in solidarity with the brotherly people of the UAE and reiterates the urgent need for restraint and de-escalation in the region. Continue reading...
Japan’s Takaichi seeks urgent summit with Iran as Trump’s Hormuz deadline looms
The Japanese government is arranging summit talks with Iran, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Monday, with tensions mounting in the Middle East as US President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz approaches. “We are preparing dialogues at the leadership level at an appropriate time,” Takaichi told a parliamentary committee when asked by an opposition lawmaker about Japan’s diplomatic efforts regarding the US-Israeli war with Iran. “Japan will make every effort...
When Suzuki met Suzuki: why a Tokyo dating agency is matching couples with the same name
Japan’s ban on married couples having different surnames has prompted an event to highlight people’s reluctance to change their name At the very least, the three men and three women calming their nerves on a Friday evening at a venue in Tokyo know they have one thing in common. Spaced out across booths, they will soon be placed in pairs and given 15 minutes to get to know one another. Continue reading...
Crowds march with giant phalluses at Japan’s fertility festival
Giant phallus-shaped portable shrines and penis-themed candies took over the streets near Tokyo on Sunday as crowds flocked to Japan’s “Kanamara” fertility festival, a vibrant and unabashed celebration of sex that mixes ancient tradition with a modern push to break taboos.
With an eye on China, Japan looks to kamikaze drones and low-cost missiles
Japan plans to introduce a fleet of kamikaze drones and low-cost missiles to boost deterrence against regional threats including China, according to Japanese media reports. The Yomiuri newspaper and Kyodo news agency reported on Wednesday that the strategy was focused on “integrated attacks” from unmanned aerial vehicles and long-range stand-off missiles, citing government and ruling coalition sources. They said the drones and missiles would be used to break down enemy air defences and...
Matildas players join Japan criticising 'inequality' in prize money
Fierce rivals on the field, the Matildas and Japan have joined forces to slam the Asian Football Confederation's prize money for the Women's Asian Cup.